Seema Kaliramna conquered post-pregnancy arthritis on her way to CWG bronze
Seema Kaliramna’s bronze medal in the women’s discus throw at the Commonwealth Games was more than just another addition to India’s tally. It marked the end of a remarkable journey that saw the 27-year-old overcome post-pregnancy arthritis, balance motherhood and academics, and return to the international podium against all odds.
The Haryana athlete clinched her maiden Commonwealth Games medal with a best throw of 58.65m in Glasgow, surviving a tense finish after three successive fouls. Speaking after the event, Seema admitted the medal carried an emotional significance because of everything she had endured since returning to competition.
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“I am feeling really good and also quite emotional. I competed at the Asian Championships in 2025 and didn’t have much experience of competing internationally. That competition taught me a lot. I may not have achieved my personal best today, but my only thought was to perform well,” Seema told NNIS Sports.
Her comeback, however, almost never happened. Seema stepped away from competition after becoming a mother and was later diagnosed with arthritis following her pregnancy. She returned to competitive training just 11 months after giving birth to her son, Rudra, with constant support from her husband and coach, former national discus thrower Ravinder “Monu” Kaliramna.
MOTHERHOOD COMEBACK TESTED BY ARTHRITIS
Seema revealed that the toughest challenge of her career came after childbirth, when arthritis left her battling multiple physical complications. Looking back, she admitted she never imagined she would return to stand on an international podium again.
“Honestly, I never thought about it. After my pregnancy, I developed arthritis, which caused a lot of physical complications. But my husband supported me throughout, and so did my family. Because of their support, I am standing here today.”
Ahead of the Commonwealth Games, Seema had also reflected on her journey in an IIS video, recalling how her commitment to athletics never changed after marriage.
“The next day after marriage, my husband and coach said that I had to go for practice,” she had said.
Her husband, Ravinder, has remained a constant presence throughout her comeback, continuing to coach her while also helping her navigate motherhood and elite sport. Seema even joked that discussions about technique never stop at home.
“If he feels there’s something we need to discuss technically, he’ll start right away. It doesn’t matter if we’re having dinner or talking about something else. He’ll just say, ‘Come, let’s discuss your technique.’ That’s the understanding we have.”
A MEDAL YEARS IN THE MAKING
The bronze medal was secured with Seema’s third-round throw of 58.65m, but the final moments were anything but straightforward. Three consecutive fouls ended her competition early, forcing her to watch nervously as Cameroon’s Monie Nora Atim attempted to knock her off the podium.
Seema later explained that the fouls came down to a technical issue rather than nerves.
“I think my body position was a little too upright, which caused me to open up too early during the throw. Maybe that’s why all three attempts were fouls. Otherwise, I was feeling really good physically and had high hopes for my throws.”
When Atim failed to better 58.65m on her final attempt, Seema’s bronze was confirmed. India also came close to another medal through Nidhi Rani, who finished fourth with a best throw of 57.10m, while Australia’s Hall (61.66m) won gold ahead of compatriot Tunks (60.67m).
The medal capped years of hard work after Seema’s return to competition. With a Commonwealth Games podium finish now behind her, the Haryana athlete has already set her sights on achieving a personal best and challenging for a medal at the Asian Games.
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